North Korean Archive Deal for APTN Library

APTN Library has reached an agreement with KRT, the state broadcaster of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to represent it worldwide.

The agreement was signed in Pyongyang on June 3 by APTN Head of Content Development Christopher O'Hearn and for KRT by the Director of the Programmes Exchange Department Ri Kwang Chol.

It gives APTN Library the right to licence any KRT material to third parties. Initially this will cover hundreds of news items archived by APTN as part of its news coverage over the years. However other video will be added and requests for additional KRT material can be made through APTN.

The deal also means APTN will be an agent to licence KRT copyright material. Many broadcasters or producers have for some time acquired and stored KRT material, often from satellites. Gaining permission to use it has been virtually impossible so the material has been used illegally, despite their best intentions. Now any broadcaster or producer can simply contact APTN to ensure that their programmes are properly cleared.

Speaking after the conclusion of negotiations Mr O'Hearn said he was extremely pleased to have reached an agreement: "DPRK organisations are increasingly looking to find business opportunities and put forward their point of view. KRT recognised that APTN met both these needs as a trusted partner and an experienced commercial news library."

"APTN represents many prestigious collections and items along with its own archive and KRT is on an equal footing. This is yet another way in which to better serve APTN's clients by giving them access to material of enormous interest in the current international environment."

APTN Library is the world's leading source of international news and entertainment footage. APTN also represents ABC America, ABC Australia, Vatican Television, Sky News, SNTV (Sport) and the Grinberg Film Library. Footage is licensed to producers, programme makers and other media in more than 40 countries.

APTN Library is part of Associated Press Television News (APTN), the world's leading video news agency, now serving over 500 broadcasters, major portals and websites with video from a network of 83 bureaux covering news around the clock and throughout the world.